Apparatus for the handicapped

ABSTRACT

An enhanced mobility device is disclosed. The device has an enclosure defining an interior and an exterior and having a floor defining an opening therein. At least one access opening allows passage between the exterior and interior. A plurality of clamps attach to the interior of the enclosure. The access opening is sized to allow passage of a personal mobility device from the exterior to the interior where the mobility device may be secured to the enclosure for transport by the plurality of clamps.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/114,116 entitled “APPARATUS FOR THE HANDICAPPED,”filed Nov. 13, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to handicap aids in general and, morespecifically, to devices for enhancing mobility of handicapped personsin the outdoors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handicap mobility aids have, to date, largely consisted of devices thatsimply allow the handicapped to obtain mobility. Wheelchairs andmotorized scooters allow non-ambulatory persons to move with a degree offreedom approximating that of a fully capable individual. Similarly, inan outdoor context, both handicapped and non-handicapped individuals mayenjoy enhanced mobility and decreased fatigue by the use of all terrainvehicles, or ATVs.

A non-handicapped individual is generally free to mount and dismount theATV for purposes of recreation, rest, or to pursue activities on foot,while a handicapped person may not be able to easily mount or dismountthe ATV, and may be more or less dependent upon whatever may be withinreach on the ATV. Similarly, a non-handicapped person can leave the ATVto obtain shelter from the elements while many handicapped persons mayhave to deal with whatever the weather brings, without being able toeasily leave the ATV.

What is needed is a device for addressing the above, and related,concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect thereof,comprises an enhanced mobility device. The device has an enclosuredefining an interior and an exterior and having a floor defining anopening therein. At least one access opening allows passage between theexterior and interior. A plurality of clamps are attached to theinterior of the enclosure. The access opening is sized to allow passageof a personal mobility device from the exterior to the interior wherethe mobility device may be secured to the enclosure for transport by theplurality of clamps.

In some embodiments, the enclosure provides a plurality of observationwindows. The enclosure may comprise two pieces in a telescopingarrangement configured to allow adjustment of the enclosure for height.In another embodiment, the enclosure comprises two pieces in atelescoping arrangement configured to allow for adjustment of theenclosure for length. In some embodiments, the plurality of clamps areconfigured to attach to a cargo rack of an all terrain vehicle. In otherembodiments, the plurality of clamps are configured to attach to awheelchair.

The device may further comprise an emergency signal indicator affixed tothe exterior of the enclosure and activated from the interior of theenclosure. A plurality of extendable legs may be provided on at leastone side of the enclosure for righting the enclosure in the event theenclosure tips onto the at least one side.

The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof,comprises a kit for use by a handicapped person for cover, mobility, andprotection. The kit includes an enclosure having at least one entranceand a floor defining and opening, the entrance being sized to allowpassage of a personal mobility craft and the floor opening being sizedto allow the personal mobility craft to rest upon the ground whileenclosed by the enclosure. The kit further includes at least one clampon the interior of the enclosure adapted to clamp onto the personalmobility craft and allow the personal mobility craft to support theenclosure for transport. A floor piece is selectively and removablyattachable to the enclosure to cover the floor opening and therebyprovide a floor to the enclosure.

In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a chair attached to thefloor piece and having a safety belt. The kit may include a winchattached to the enclosure and adapted to lift a user into and out of theenclosure via a second opening. The kit may also include a plurality ofwheels attached to the enclosure and a tow hitch attached to theenclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a handicap mobility device according to aspectsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a lower portion of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is another top view of the lower half of the device of FIG. 1showing an attached floor.

FIG. 5 is a front end view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a back end view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side cutout view of the device of FIG. 1 attached to an allterrain vehicle.

FIG. 8 is another side cutout view of the device of FIG. 1 illustratingexemplary medical supply holders.

FIG. 9 is another side cutaway view of the device of FIG. 1 illustratingexemplary placement of emergency equipment and firearms.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a handicap mobility device with an attachedhelp sign.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a floor insert for a handicapmobility device.

FIG. 12 is an opposite side view of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a floor of a handicap access device showing anexemplary placement of a floor door.

FIG. 14 is another opposite side view.

FIG. 15 is a top view of an inner floor of a handicap device without afloor door.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a bottom half of a handicap access device.

FIG. 17 is an exploded side view of the handicap access device of FIG.1.

FIG. 18 is another side view illustrating top and bottom halves of ahandicap access device fitted together.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a handicap access device illustrating anexemplary configuration of a side door.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a handicap access device illustratingexemplary placement of a robotic work arm.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a winch and control apparatus utilizedto move a person into and out of the handicap access device.

FIG. 22 is an end view of a handicap access device with an open accessdoor illustrating an exemplary placement of an all terrain vehiclewithin the access device.

FIG. 23 is a front view of a handicap access device utilizing awheelchair.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of the interior of a handicapaccess device illustrating how the device may attach to an ATV or othertransportation device.

FIG. 25 is an end perspective view of an embodiment of a handicap accessdevice providing a set of wheels and a transportation hitch.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a handicap access device with aself-righting apparatus.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an inner floor of a handicap accessdevice providing a wheelchair stabilizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view of a handicap mobility deviceaccording to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1000comprises an upper portion 10 and a lower portion 11 in the presentembodiment. The upper portion 10 may be telescopically engaged with thelower portion 11 such that the device is height adjustable. Adjustmentrollers 27 on internal track 32 may be provided to guide the upperportion 10 in proper alignment with the lower portion 11. A series ofheight adjustment holes 99 may also be provided for securing the upperportion 10 and the lower portion 11 into a desired height. A lock pin 15may be provided for securely retaining the upper portion 10 and lowerportion 11 in the prescribed relationship.

Referring now also to the side view of FIG. 7, it can be seen that thedevice 1000 is adapted to be fitted to a personal mobility device 44. Inthe present example, the personal mobility device is an all terrainvehicle or ATV. However, it is understood that in other embodiments, thedevice 1000 may be sized to accommodate other personal mobility devices,such as motorized scooters, wheelchairs, snowmobiles, or other devices.

In the present embodiment, the device 1000 attaches to the ATV 44 by oneor more clamps 29 that attach to an ATV rack 100 on the fore and aftends of the ATV 44. The clamps 29 may be tightened by the clamptightener 28 and attached to latch platforms 13. In some embodiments, aplatform brace 14 may be needed to ensure structural integrity of thelatch platform 13. Although clamps are utilized as an attachment meansin the present embodiment, in other embodiments, other attachments meanscould be used including, but not limited to straps, vises, latches,hasps, pins, and bolts.

Referring now also to FIG. 22, an access door 126, by which the ATV 44enters the enclosure 1000, can be seen. In the present embodiment, theATV 44 may be backed into the enclosure 1000 and then attached by theaforementioned clamps 29 to the ATV 44. With reference back to FIG. 1,it may be seen how the upper portion 10 and lower portion 11 may beadjusted from within the device 1000. A screw motor 102 is provided witha female screw box 103 in conjunction with a male screw adjustment 104.These may be electrically powered for adjusting the height of the lowerportion 11 relative to the upper portion 10. In one method of operation,the ATV 44 may be driven into the enclosure 1000 when the enclosure isin a state with the lower portion 11 telescoped upward into the upperportion 10. The height of the lower portion 11 within the upper portion10 may be such that the latch platforms 14 are in close proximity to theATV racks 100 or other attachment point. When the ATV or other mobilitydevice has been securely clamped to the latch platform 13, the heightadjustment mechanism may be electronically activated, which will lowerthe lower portion 11 downward out of the upper portion 10. As a resultof the lower portion 11 being securely affixed to the ATV 44, the upperportion 10 will be lifted clear of the ground or other support surfacesuch that the weight of the enclosure 1000 will rest upon the ATV 44.From this point, the ATV rider may travel within the enclosure 1000 withaccess to the protection from the elements and other benefits providedby the enclosure 1000.

In another embodiment, the enclosure 1000 may be attached to the ATV 44and adjusted for height for transportation without the necessity of atelescopic upper portion 10 and lower portion 11. For example, FIG. 24illustrates the interior portion of such an embodiment with attachmentmeans on the upper portion 10. A powered control box 129 can be seeninterfitting with a latch platform 13 and clamps 28. In the presentembodiment, lock rings 134 may be provided to prevent lateral slippagewhen attached to the ATV 44. A lock hinge 12 may be provided for furtheradjustment of the latch platform 13.

It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be sized to fitdifferent personal mobility vehicles. For example, with reference toFIG. 23, it can be seen that the enclosure 1000 may be sized to fit awheel chair. Additionally, some embodiments will be constructed in atelescopic fashion so as to be adjustable for width or length instead ofor in addition to, height as described above.

The materials used in construction of the device 1000 may vary inaccordance with its intended use and the vehicle being used to carry it.For example, a large high powered ATV 44 may support a relatively robustand heavy embodiment. On the other hand, if the enclosure 1000 isintended for use on a manually powered wheel chair, it may beconstructed of lighter materials including but not limited tolightweight woods or even sturdy fabrics such as denier or canvas thathave been weather treated and attached to a frame.

In some instances, it may be useful to leave the ATV 44 attached to theenclosure 1000 or for other reasons the user may desire to enter orleave the enclosure 1000 without use of the ATV. In such case and forother reasons, the device 1000 may be provided with a winch system thatmay include a winch motor 78, a winch rail box 79, a winch axle 80, awinch pulley 81, and winch cable 82. In the present embodiment, thewinch cable 82 is connected to a handicap pickup belt 83. Depending uponthe level of assistance needed by the user, the handicap pickup belt 83could also be replaced with a full body harness or another deviceproviding additional retention and control.

Referring now also to FIG. 21, it may be seen that the winch system maybe controlled by a winch control box 84 connected by control wiring 42to the winch motor 78 and the remainder of the system. In someembodiments, the wiring 42 will be of sufficient length to allow theuser to operate the winch system from inside or from outside theenclosure 1000.

It will be appreciated that the enclosure 1000 provides a number ofadditional enhancements and features, some or all of which may beincluded in various embodiments. For example, some embodiments will beequipped with observation doors 26, as well as sliding windows 24, asshown in window frames 23. Exterior features, such as lighting 40, arealso contemplated. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 8, for example,for the oxygen dependent an oxygen bottle holder 50 may be providedalong with an oxygen bottle 60. Handicap rails 22 may also be provided,as well as a number of platforms or fold down storage tables 53. It canbe seen that the present embodiment provides crutch holders 49 withcrutches 59. Internal lighting 56 may also be provided.

Examples of other interior features may include, but are not limited to,hot and cold storage 46, an ammunition or film holder 61, a camera orgun stabilizer 52, and a medical dry box 58. With reference now also toFIG. 9, other examples may include gun holder 62 shown with guns 63, CBradio 68 shown with CB radio holder 69 connecting via coax cable 70 tocommunication antenna 71. Also shown is rod holder 64 with fishing rods65. A cell phone holder 67 may be provided for a cell phone shown as 66.It will be appreciated that the device 1000 is adaptable to hold a widevariety of medical supplies including, but not limited to, theglucometer holder 72 and the glucogon holder 73. Convenience devices mayalso be provided, such as a drink holder 74 and/or an ice box or cooler75.

Climate controls may also be provided, as shown by the ventilationtubing 47, vent 41 and heating and cooling unit 48. It is understoodthat many of the devices and accessories within the device 1000 may relyon battery power. Therefore, a battery 55 and battery box 54 may beprovided but are not necessarily the only power source available withinthe device 1000. 100501 In addition to convenience features, it will beappreciated that the mobility device 1000 also provides numerous safetyfeatures in its various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 7 for oneexample, a wheelchair storage platform 30 may be provided for storing amanual foldable wheelchair 43. In this way, a user of the mobilitydevice 1000 will never be completely without means of mobility even inthe event of a mechanical breakdown or failure.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a help signal or help sign 90 that may bespring loaded by coil spring 89 may be activated within the device 1000by activating the release lock system 91 by a help sign release rope 92.In this manner, a user that becomes immobile or otherwise in need of aidwhile within the device 1000 may be able to signal to others nearby fromwithin the device 1000. It will also be appreciated that the cell phoneholder 67 and/or CB radio 68 within the device 1000, as previouslymentioned, may also be considered as safety communication aids.

As a further example of safety and convenience features, reference ismade to FIG. 19. Here it can be seen that a door 18 may be equipped witha pull handle 116 attached by cable 115 to aid a use in closing thedoor. A lower door 21 may also be provided on a pivot rod 20. In thisway, the device 1000 may be completely enclosed, regardless of theadjusted height. FIG. 20 illustrates the integration of a robotic armassembly 120 with a robotic hand assembly 121. This enables a user tomanipulate objects outside the enclosure 1000 without leaving.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a side view of the device 1000 equipped with astabilization system is shown. In the present embodiment, thestabilization system is an electrically powered system comprising anumber of stabilization legs. In the present embodiment, thestabilization legs include three components, namely the femalestabilizer 135, the male/female stabilizer 136, and the male stabilizer137. It will be appreciated that the aforementioned components operatetogether in a telescopic fashion to allow the device 1000 to beself-righting in the event of a tip over. In the present embodiment, theself-righting system is electronically activated and may be utilized byaccess to the height control switch 130. This may be wired by wiring 57to battery 55 and battery box 54, which in turn powers the stabilizersystem. Although only one side of the device 1000 is shown with a safetystabilizing system,it will be appreciated that two or more sides may beso equipped to enable the user to self-right the device 1000 from atipped position or from any position that is likely to result intipping.

The device 1000 of the present disclosure will be modular in someembodiments. For example, with reference now to FIG. 11, a floor pieceis shown. The floor piece 39 may be placed within the device 1000 toallow the device to be used as a stationary protective structure. Abottom access door 37 may be provided on the floor piece 39 if needed ordesired. A number of lock pins 15 may secure a handicap chair 94 to thefloor piece 39. Other aids may also be provided, including but notlimited to, a handicap chair railing 97, a safety belt 96, and a winchpick-up 95. The winch pick-up 95 may be utilized to lift the chair intoand out of the enclosure 1000 utilizing the winch system as previouslydiscussed. FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment where the floor piece39 is adapted to secure a wheel chair 43.

In addition to having an optional floor system for converting the device1000 into a stationary enclosure, the device may also be equipped, asshown in FIG. 25, with wheels 133 and/or a hitch 132. This may allow thedevice 1000 to be transported or towed with the aid of another vehicle.In some embodiments, the floor piece 39 may also be utilized with theembodiment shown in FIG. 25, resulting in a mobility trailer.

It will be appreciated from the examples given that the mobility system1000 is widely adaptable for a variety of uses. To provide furtherexamples of specific embodiments, a number of additional figures areincluded with the present disclosure. To aid the reader in more fullyunderstanding the various specific embodiments, a parts list is alsoprovided herein as Table 1. Those of skill in the art will readilyunderstand the included drawings in conjunction with the parts list andthe detailed description given above to easily adapt the designsdisclosed herein to other uses within the scope and spirit of thepresent disclosure.

TABLE 1 10 upper portion 11 lower portion 12 lock hinge 13 latchplatform 14 latch platform brace 15 lock pin 16 door frame 17 door hinge18 upper door 19 door hasp 20 upper/lower door pivot rod 21 lower door22 handicap rail 23 window frame 24 slide windows 25 observation doorhinge 26 observation door 27 adjustment rollers 28 clamp tightener 29secure clamp 30 handicap wheelchair storage platform 31 female platformlock 32 internal track 33 inside floor support 34 anchor hole 35 innerfloor studs 36 inner floor female lock 37 bottom access door 38 doorhandles 39 inner floor —removable 40 lights 41 vent 42 wiring 43wheelchair 44 ATV 45 pull handle 46 hot/cold medical climate controlstorage 47 tubing ventilation 48 heat/cool unit 49 crutch holder 50oxygen bottle holder 51 medical support holder 52 camera/gun stabilizer53 fold down storage table 54 battery box holder 55 battery 56 internallight 57 wiring 58 medical dry box 59 crutch 60 oxygen bottle 61ammunition/film holder 62 gun holder 63 gun 64 fishing pole holder 65fishing pole 66 cell phone 67 cell phone holder 68 CB radio 69 CB radioholder 70 coax 71 communication antenna 72 glucometer holder 73 glucagonholder 74 drink holder 75 ice box 76 alert speaker 77 alert roll overcontrol box 78 winch motor 79 winch rail box 80 winch axle 81 winchpulley 82 winch cable 83 handicap pick up belt 84 winch control box 85wind curtain holder 86 wind curtain 87 mirror 88 female chair holder 89coil spring 90 help sign 91 release lock system 92 help sign releaserope 93 male chair holder 94 handicap chair 95 winch pickup 96 safetybelt 97 handicap chair railing 98 axle 99 height adjustment holes 100ATV racks 101 winch pivot 102 screw motor 103 female screw box 104 malescrew adjustment 105 female sleeve box 106 male slide box 107 cableguide 108 motor housing 109 observation camera 110 observation camerascreen 111 door housing male lock system 112 female housing for malelock system 113 secure safety plate 114 door pull guide 115 door pullcable 116 door pull handle 117 male adjustable height pins 118 femaleadjustable height receiver openings 119 winch pivot cable slide opening120 robotic arm assembly 121 robotic hand assembly 122 robotic arm/handcontrol box 123 robotic arm/hand monitor screen 124 winch control arm125 housing box for portability 126 equipment front access door frame127 female housing 128 adjustable powered height control 129 adjustablepowered control box 130 adjustable height control switch 131 femalehitch receiver 132 male hitch 133 removable portable wheels 134 lockband 135 safety powered female stabilizer 136 safety male/femalestabilizer arm 137 safety male stabilizer 138 wheelchair stabilizer andadjustable tray 139 male wheelchair stabilizer holder 140 femalewheelchair stabilizer

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectivesand attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as thoseinherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have beendescribed for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes andmodifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of thisinvention as defined by the claims.

1. An enhanced mobility device, comprising: an enclosure defining aninterior and an exterior and having a substantially open floor; at leastone access opening allowing passage between the exterior and interior;and a plurality of clamps attached to the interior of the enclosure; andwherein the access opening is sized to allow passage of a personalmobility device from the exterior to the interior where the mobilitydevice may be secured to the enclosure for transport by the plurality ofclamps.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofobservation windows in the enclosure.
 3. The device of claim 1, whereinthe enclosure comprises two pieces in a telescoping arrangementconfigured to allow adjustment of the enclosure for height.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises two pieces in atelescoping arrangement configured to allow for adjustment of theenclosure for length.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofclamps are configured to attach to a cargo rack of an all terrainvehicle.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of clamps areconfigured to attach to a wheelchair.
 7. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising an emergency signal indicator affixed to the exterior of theenclosure and activated from the interior of the enclosure.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of extendable legs onat least one side of the enclosure for righting the enclosure in theevent the enclosure tips onto the at least one side.
 9. A mobilityenhancement device, comprising: a portable enclosure having a roof andplurality of walls, the enclosure defining an opening in a floorthereof; a vehicle opening in one of the plurality of walls, the vehicleopening being selectively openable and sized to allow a personalmobility craft into the portable enclosure, and to be enclosedcompletely thereby; and means for fixing the portable enclosure to thepersonal mobility craft from inside the enclosure, and without a userleaving the personal mobility craft.
 10. The device of claim 9, whereinthe personal mobility craft is an all terrain vehicle.
 11. The device ofclaim 9, wherein the personal mobility craft is a wheelchair.
 12. Thedevice of claim 9, further comprising at least one righting leg attachedto the enclosure such that the righting leg may be selectively actuatedfrom within the enclosure to aid in righting the enclosure from a tippedposition.
 13. The device of claim 9, wherein the portable enclosurecomprises two pieces that are telescopingly engaged to allow foradjustment of a height of the enclosure.
 14. The device of claim 9,wherein the portable enclosure comprises two pieces that aretelescopingly engaged to allow for adjustment of a length of theenclosure.
 15. The device of claim 9, further comprising a grappling armactivated from an interior of the enclosure.
 16. The device of claim 8,further comprising a help indicator on the outside of the enclosure thatis activated from inside the enclosure.
 17. A kit for use by ahandicapped person for cover, mobility, and protection, the kitcomprising: an enclosure having at least one entrance and a floordefining and opening, the entrance being sized to allow passage of apersonal mobility craft and the floor opening being sized to allow thepersonal mobility craft to rest upon the ground while enclosed by theenclosure; at least one clamp on the interior of the enclosure adaptedto clamp onto the personal mobility craft and allow the personalmobility craft to support the enclosure for transport; and a floor pieceselectively and removably attachable to the enclosure to cover the flooropening and thereby provide a floor to the enclosure.
 18. The kit ofclaim 17 further comprising a chair attached to the floor piece andhaving a safety belt.
 19. The kit of claim 17, further comprising awinch attached to the enclosure, the winch adapted to lift a user intoand out of the enclosure via a second opening.
 20. The kit of claim 17,further comprising: a plurality of wheels attached to the enclosure; anda tow hitch attached to the enclosure.